Survey yearReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
201440%9%41%7%2%12,566
200736%7%48%5%3%12,643
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults in the South by religious group

% of adults in the South who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Religious traditionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Catholic33%9%46%10%2%1,885
Evangelical Protestant61%5%30%2%2%4,078
Historically Black Protestant49%5%40%4%2%1,191
Jewish15%15%53%13%3%229
Mainline Protestant34%11%47%6%2%2,174
Mormon69%4%16%8%2%112
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%16%57%15%2%2,214
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are ages…

Sources of guidance on right and wrong18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Religion16%33%30%21%4,938
Philosophy/reason34%33%22%11%1,213
Common sense25%35%24%16%4,876
Science28%39%19%14%967
Don't know19%35%25%21%308
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Religion10%12%28%35%14%1%4,938
Philosophy/reason22%21%25%26%7%< 1%1,213
Common sense15%16%28%29%10%1%4,876
Science17%19%31%23%9%1%967
Don't know12%13%30%29%16%1%308
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMenWomenSample size
Religion42%58%5,054
Philosophy/reason55%45%1,233
Common sense52%48%4,963
Science53%47%986
Don't know53%47%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Religion62%21%1%13%4%4,992
Philosophy/reason63%13%2%18%4%1,218
Common sense64%18%2%13%4%4,903
Science57%11%3%26%4%977
Don't know66%12%2%15%4%313
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Religion11%5%84%4,987
Philosophy/reason15%10%74%1,215
Common sense11%9%80%4,890
Science25%12%62%971
Don't know15%5%79%319
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who have a household income of…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Religion38%20%26%15%4,328
Philosophy/reason35%18%25%22%1,120
Common sense36%21%26%17%4,359
Science35%20%25%20%872
Don't know34%27%25%14%247
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who have completed…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Religion45%32%15%8%5,018
Philosophy/reason32%31%21%16%1,231
Common sense46%31%14%8%4,934
Science34%26%21%20%979
Don't know37%35%15%13%324
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Religion56%4%14%8%18%5,031
Philosophy/reason41%9%13%4%34%1,231
Common sense45%8%15%6%26%4,943
Science45%9%13%4%28%977
Don't know52%4%13%10%20%324
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongParentsNon-parentsSample size
Religion31%69%5,032
Philosophy/reason26%74%1,231
Common sense30%70%4,948
Science31%69%981
Don't know31%69%322
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say they…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Religion91%7%1%< 1%< 1%< 1%5,054
Philosophy/reason48%24%10%< 1%15%3%1,233
Common sense62%22%5%1%8%2%4,963
Science38%26%8%< 1%25%3%986
Don't know78%9%1%3%3%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say religion is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Religion90%8%1%< 1%< 1%5,054
Philosophy/reason37%31%15%17%< 1%1,233
Common sense46%31%12%11%1%4,963
Science30%27%17%25%1%986
Don't know70%15%4%6%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who attend religious services…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion66%24%9%1%5,054
Philosophy/reason21%40%38%1%1,233
Common sense26%39%35%< 1%4,963
Science18%33%48%1%986
Don't know45%30%20%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who pray…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion85%10%2%2%1%5,054
Philosophy/reason43%19%7%30%< 1%1,233
Common sense50%18%7%24%1%4,963
Science32%18%6%42%1%986
Don't know70%11%3%12%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who attend prayer group…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion50%13%9%27%1%5,054
Philosophy/reason15%8%9%67%1%1,233
Common sense18%9%8%65%< 1%4,963
Science14%7%7%71%1%986
Don't know33%14%9%40%4%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who meditate…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion55%7%3%33%3%5,054
Philosophy/reason42%10%5%42%1%1,233
Common sense35%8%4%51%1%4,963
Science33%11%6%49%2%986
Don't know49%6%3%34%7%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion80%10%5%5%1%5,054
Philosophy/reason53%17%12%17%1%1,233
Common sense53%16%10%18%2%4,963
Science47%16%12%25%1%986
Don't know74%11%4%6%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion48%15%10%25%2%5,054
Philosophy/reason57%14%11%16%1%1,233
Common sense41%16%13%29%1%4,963
Science48%15%15%20%1%986
Don't know50%11%12%21%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion50%47%1%1%5,054
Philosophy/reason24%73%2%1%1,233
Common sense27%71%2%1%4,963
Science21%77%1%1%986
Don't know32%54%7%7%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who read scripture…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Religion69%11%5%14%1%5,054
Philosophy/reason25%13%10%52%1%1,233
Common sense28%12%10%50%1%4,963
Science17%11%7%63%1%986
Don't know50%14%9%23%5%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say the holy scripture is…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Religion61%26%4%5%4%5,054
Philosophy/reason16%24%1%51%7%1,233
Common sense27%27%2%37%8%4,963
Science17%18%1%57%7%986
Don't know29%21%13%20%17%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who …in heaven

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion90%5%5%5,054
Philosophy/reason57%33%10%1,233
Common sense73%20%7%4,963
Science53%40%7%986
Don't know71%12%17%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who …in hell

Sources of guidance on right and wrongBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Religion83%11%6%5,054
Philosophy/reason43%49%8%1,233
Common sense58%34%8%4,963
Science41%53%6%986
Don't know59%20%21%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who identify as…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Religion50%16%34%5,054
Philosophy/reason30%17%53%1,233
Common sense37%18%45%4,963
Science26%18%57%986
Don't know30%36%34%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who are…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Religion56%26%12%7%5,054
Philosophy/reason22%39%34%5%1,233
Common sense32%37%24%7%4,963
Science23%36%37%5%986
Don't know37%29%20%15%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who would rather have…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Religion55%38%3%3%5,054
Philosophy/reason46%48%3%3%1,233
Common sense50%43%3%4%4,963
Science38%57%1%4%986
Don't know44%27%13%16%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say government aid to the poor…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion51%43%4%2%5,054
Philosophy/reason36%59%4%1%1,233
Common sense46%47%4%3%4,963
Science35%61%3%1%986
Don't know38%38%15%10%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say abortion should be…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Religion29%67%4%5,054
Philosophy/reason64%33%3%1,233
Common sense58%36%5%4,963
Science69%28%3%986
Don't know42%43%15%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say homosexuality…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion34%58%5%4%5,054
Philosophy/reason78%17%3%1%1,233
Common sense67%26%4%3%4,963
Science79%16%2%2%986
Don't know44%37%11%8%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who …same-sex marriage

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Religion24%69%7%5,054
Philosophy/reason72%22%6%1,233
Common sense57%34%9%4,963
Science71%25%4%986
Don't know34%43%23%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Religion46%47%2%4%5,054
Philosophy/reason26%70%2%2%1,233
Common sense39%55%2%3%4,963
Science27%70%1%1%986
Don't know33%50%8%9%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults in the South by sources of guidance on right and wrong

% of adults in the South who say humans…

Sources of guidance on right and wrongEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Religion9%27%2%58%5%5,054
Philosophy/reason46%26%5%19%3%1,233
Common sense35%28%4%29%4%4,963
Science58%17%3%19%2%986
Don't know14%22%13%32%20%330
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.